u/shadow_spinner0

The Denver Nuggets intend to match any offers for restricted free agent Peyton Watson when the NBA’s moratorium lifts on Monday, said league sources who were granted anonymity to discuss the ongoing negotiations.

However, the Nuggets and Watson’s agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, remain apart in contract negotiations, the sources told The Athletic, and Denver is open to a sign-and-trade for the 23-year-old forward. As we’ve seen several times this offseason, the rules relating to restricted free agency have created a challenging landscape for players in that position.

While it’s unclear how many teams are pursuing Watson, only the Brooklyn Nets and LA Clippers have the salary-cap space to submit the offer sheet he wants. The Clippers, league sources said, have shown legitimate interest in Watson but are also navigating their own restricted free agency situation with Bennedict Mathurin, which complicates matters. Several teams are known to have registered interest in a sign-and-trade for Watson.

Around the league, there has been a widespread belief that the Nuggets would be motivated to avoid the second apron by shedding salary this summer. But as The Athletic reported in June, Denver’s ownership has not given its front office, which is led by Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace, a mandate to cut costs. That messaging has become even more meaningful in recent days, as the Nuggets are considered to be among the teams still in the running for unrestricted free agent LeBron James (who, coincidentally, is also represented by Paul).

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7424278/2026/07/05/nuggets-peyton-watson-update-restricted-free-agency-nba/?source=user\_shared\_article&unlocked\_article\_code=1.vlA.yeSx.VeD7UhB6BD8N

>Following the blockbuster Jaylen Brown trade, there are those within league circles wondering if New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III will be the next big trade domino to fall. 

>Before this past trade deadline, the Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, and Los Angeles Lakers called to express interest in trading for Murphy, as previously reported by HoopsHype. 

>Some teams have faded from the Murphy trade conversation. Indiana got Ivica Zubac before the trade deadline. Portland acquired Ja Morant. San Antonio went to the NBA Finals and has since agreed to deals with forwards Harrison Barnes and Tobias Harris in free agency. The Lakers just made a flurry of offseason moves. 

>Teams that are in the mix for Murphy to varying degrees now are the Celtics, Pistons, Warriors, Clippers, and Hawks, league sources told HoopsHype. 

>The Celtics have monitored Murphy’s trade market, and following the Brown trade for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks, they have gained extra draft capital that New Orleans has desired in any trade talks. 

>The Pistons have consistently circled the wagons on Murphy in trade talks, but felt the price was too high. With the asking price dropping from the equivalent of four to three first-round picks in any Murphy trade talks recently, will Detroit have more of an appetite to make a trade following the loss of Tobias Harris in free agency?

Source: https://www.hoopshype.com/story/sports/nba/2026/07/02/nba-intel-jaylen-brown-trey-murphy-jalen-duren-jonathan-kuminga-anfernee-simons-tobias-harris-knicks/90786339007/

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/nba-free-agency-2026-live-updates-reaction-news-rumors/cFmfEjapdzzC/36tjebDQ40H6/?unlocked_article_code=1.uFA.02xH.ydhjoTkwbuG-&source=athletic_user_shared_gift_live_blog_copylink&smid=url-share-ta

Vorkunov - Keon Ellis' will sign a two-year, $18 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets where there is a team and player option for Year 2, league sources tell Fred Katz and me.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share contract details, said either side can choose to opt in to the second season. If neither side elects to opt in, Ellis would become a free agent next summer.

Katz - I have had such a glorious time with Mike Vorkunov chasing down the details of Keon Ellis' mutual second-year contract option with the Brooklyn Nets.

Here are the details of how it works:

Either side can opt into Year 2.

It is both a player option and a team option.

This is the first offseason (at least since I can remember) that we've seen mutual options worked into contracts. It does not seem to be expressly prohibited by the CBA.

Utah Jazz restricted free agent Walker Kessler has had meetings with a couple of teams and is headed to another meeting, league sources tell The Athletic. He holds multiple offers in the mid to high 30’s annually, along with structure of his choice, including player options.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/nba-free-agency-2026-live-updates-reaction-news-rumors/cFmfEjapdzzC/?unlocked_article_code=1.uFA.a6qs.o5S21pz40diL

Source: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a71654161/ben-simmons-interview/

Ben Simmons on needing a mental health break: “What if I wanna take some time for myself and put myself in the best position to play [again]? I was like, You know what? F*ck it. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. But this is what feels right….I needed to get away, and have some space, and just find myself again.”

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“Detroit Pistons are conveying that Jalen Duren will not be moved and are solely focused on coming to terms on an agreement to keep their All-Star center, league sources tell me.”

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7382921/2026/06/24/mlb-player-poll-desired-destinations-teams/?unlocked_article_code=1.slA.WiIU.UPj_7gZT_XBo&source=athletic_user_shared_gift_article_copylink&smid=url-share-ta